Message from Michael Binder, Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) President from 2008 to present : Text version

CNSC President Michael Binder said a few words to mark the 65th anniversary of Canada’s nuclear regulator.

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An image of an atom appears on a background of various shades of blue, along with a flash of light that fades to reveal the gold and blue CNSC logo with a maple leaf in the centre. The logo moves to the right of the screen and the words “65th anniversary” appear on the left. The logo fades away to reveal the words “CNSC 65th anniversary: President’s message”.

Mr. Binder appears on screen to deliver his message. He is seated and occupies the left-hand side of the screen.

On the right is a picture of a man in a helmet working at a nuclear power plant. Mr. Binder delivers the following speech:

"Hi! My name is Michael Binder, and I am the President of the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission.
This year, the Commission celebrates 65 years as Canada’s independent nuclear watchdog.

We are celebrating 65 years of milestones.

It all started in 1946, when the Atomic Energy Control Act, Canada’s first nuclear legislation, created the Atomic Energy Control Board. At that time, the Board’s mandate was to only regulate the nuclear industry’s research activities.

But, over the years, Canada’s nuclear activities grew significantly. The introduction of radioisotopes in medical research and cancer treatment; the use of nuclear energy to generate electricity; the development of uranium mines, etc. shifted the Board’s focus to developing regulations to address health and safety issues.

This shift in focus required a new, wide-reaching law that would reflect the latest scientific knowledge in the nuclear field. That is why, in the year 2000, the Nuclear Safety and Control Act came into force, and the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission replaced the AECB.

Today, our mission is clear: to protect the health, safety and security of Canadians, to protect the environment and to respect Canada’s international commitments on the peaceful use of nuclear energy.

Our team of 850 dedicated employees ensures the safe operation of all nuclear-related facilities and activities in Canada.

As we reflect on our history and our achievements, we are determined to be ready to meet the regulatory challenges of the future.

In a world committed to finding cleaner sources of energy, I believe that nuclear energy will continue to be part of the mix. And, therefore, a strong and effective nuclear regulator is a must!

As Canada nuclear industry evolves, so will we. And our core commitment to Canadians will not change: we will never compromise safety."

Upon the speech’s completion, Mr. Binder’s face fades out and the CNSC logo reappears with a flash of translucent light passing over it. The following sentence appears: “Copyright Her Majesty, the Queen in Right of Canada as represented by Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission, 2010” The word “Canada” written in white, along with a Canadian flag, then appears on a black background, and the video ends.